Holly MatkinStamford, CT – Stamford Police Department (SPD) Officer Douglas “Doug” Robinson died on Aug. 24 after a courageous three-year battle against parotid gland cancer.
The 60-year-old officer passed away at his home while surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.
The SPD announced Officer Robinson’s death with “heavy hearts” the following morning.
“Officer Robinson was always calm in the face of any adversity,” Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw said in the agency’s press release. “He had an exemplary career and always served with distinction.”
Officer Robinson began his “highly decorated career” with the SPD on March 6, 1989, according to Chief Shaw.
He was an “outstanding” patrol officer and went on to serve with multiple specialized units, including the Community Policing Unit, the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, and as a school resource officer at Stamford High School, the chief noted.
He also worked in an undercover capacity in countless cases.
Officer Robinson was a member of the department’s Crisis Intervention Team and Hostage Negotiation Team, and spent his later years working as an investigator with the SPD’s Juvenile Matters Unit.
In addition to his many law enforcement roles, Officer Robinson also spent 23 years as the head coach of the Stamford-Westhill high school co-op hockey team and served as a Mighty Mite basketball coach and youth hockey coach.
“His mentorship runs deep in the Stamford Community,” Chief Shaw said. “Douglas Robinson touched so many lives through all the hats he wore.”
Officer Robinson leaves behind his wife, Judy, as well as his children, Kevin, Casey, and James, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his brother, nephews, nieces, and in-laws.
“Above all, Doug was a loyal husband, father, and friend,” the tribute read. “He showed his family how to live their values and always made them laugh and feel protected.”
Officer Robinson was laid to rest on Aug. 30.
“Our thoughts, prayers and tears are with his wife Judy and his children James, Casey and Kevin,” Chief Shaw said. “We ask everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.”
A fundraising page established to help Officer Robinson’s family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $33,000 so far.
SAD UPDATE: Stamford police officer Doug Robinson has lost his fight with stage 4 parotid gland cancer. Robinson was an officer with Stamford for 33 years and a high school hockey coach for 23 years. @News12CT pic.twitter.com/myCL6uxVr0
— Marissa Alter (@MarissaAlter) August 25, 2022
We lost long time @StamWestHockey coach and Police Officer Doug Robinson yesterday. Original Stamford Youth Hockey player and a great guy. https://t.co/9lhjBBDb3s pic.twitter.com/CTSaoP3QAH
— Pete Pinto (@hockey_pinto) August 25, 2022
REMEMBERING DOUG ROBINSON: There’s a tremendous void in the Stamford community following the death of Doug Robinson, 60, from stage 4 parotid gland cancer. Officer, coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend—those are just a few of the hats he wore. @News12CT pic.twitter.com/s9iWw0opl1
— Marissa Alter (@MarissaAlter) August 25, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Stamford Police Department Officer Douglas “Doug” Robinson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
